COSTA MESA – The Vanguard men's soccer team began its quest for a Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament title on Saturday against Menlo – and step one is complete.
The third-seeded Lions knocked off the No. 6 seed Oaks, 2-1 in double overtime, as Jesse Gonzalez (SR/Fullerton, CA) scored in the 73rd minute and Aidan Doherty (SO/Huntington Beach, CA) the game-winner in the 93rd minute.
The two teams played both overtimes in full as new NAIA policy dictates that golden goals are no longer allowed in playoff soccer. VU's defense held strong following the Doherty goal just two minutes and 40 seconds into the first overtime, as the Oaks did not record a shot in either extra period.
VU clicked on offense all game with a 24-9 advantage in shots. The Lions took nine corner kicks to Menlo's four. Fouls were even at 15 apiece and each team had three yellow cards.
Jesse Gonzalez took a season-high five shots while Stewart Alvayero (SR/Los Angeles, CA) added four. Alvayero added to his conference-leading assist total with his 10th of the season on the Gonzalez game-winning strike.
Edwin Monterrosa (FR/Los Angeles, CA) made three saves for VU, while Menlo goalie Jo Krumsvik had five.
The Lions advance to next week's tournament main site at Menlo. The Lions will get a rematch with No. 2 seed Hope International. VU defeated the Royals, 1-0, in the regular season finale on Oct. 29.
What Happened?: The Lions tallied the game-winner on the first shot of the first overtime. VU intercepted a pass and Alvayero charged up the middle of the field, throttling a pass to Doherty. Doherty got around his defender and beat Krumsvik for his fifth goal of the season. Alvayero recorded an assist for the ninth time in 15 games. Doherty got his second goal against Menlo in as many matches, as he also found the net in the Oct. 8 meeting at VU Soccer Field.
Nathaniel Gomez (JR/Dominguez, CA) and Jesse Gonzalez had two dangerous chances with time winding down in the first overtime, but both of their attempts were blocked by Menlo defenders.
After a scoreless first half in which VU had a 9-3 lead in shots, the Lions kept pushing in the second period and finally broke through with 18 minutes to go in regulation. Joey Barry (SR/Laguna Hills, CA) took a throw-in deep in Menlo territory, and his toss was deflected by a Menlo player out to VU's Joseph Hernandez (JR/Hesperia, CA). Hernandez volleyed a pass back into the box to Jesse Gonzalez, who twisted his body into position and flicked a shot that lofted over the head of Krumsvik. The goal at the 72:01 mark was the first of his career for Gonzalez.
The Lions looked to finish off the Oaks in regulation, but Menlo evened the score at the 83:22 mark. Caden Mink got open along the left flank and hit a cross into the box. Monterrosa dived but could not corral the pass, as it snuck through traffic and found Isak Haukefier. He booted a one-timer into an open net as Monterrosa was unable to recover in time to get back into position.
Why Is It Important?: The Lions improved to 7-1-2 when they score two or more goals. VU improved to 12-9-2 all-time in the GSAC Tournament and kept alive its goal to win a second consecutive tournament title.
What Was Said?: "Today we showed a lot of class attacking and generating a ton of chances," said Head Coach Jesus Miramontes. "We had several opportunities to put the game out of reach. We found a way to score in OT and win the game. That's all that matters at this point."
What's Next?: VU plays Hope International in the first of two semifinals on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11:00 a.m. in Atherton. Top-seeded Arizona Christian and No. 4 seed OUAZ follow at 2:00 p.m.
